Debbie Doniger Outlines Two Flop Shot Methods

Mastering the Challenging Flop Shot

GOLF Top 100 Teacher Debbie Doniger has detailed two distinct methods for executing the challenging flop shot, a crucial skill for golfers facing short-sided lies around the green with obstacles between their ball and the flag.

While this shot offers the best chance to save par in such situations, its execution often proves difficult for amateurs, frequently leading to inconsistent contact and costly mistakes. Doniger's instruction aims to make this tricky shot more manageable by offering techniques tailored for both novice and experienced players.

Her guidance focuses on fundamental setup adjustments and swing mechanics designed to produce the high-launching, soft-landing results essential for a successful flop shot, ultimately building confidence in a golfer’s short game.

The Accessible Flop Shot

Doniger’s first technique, designed for beginners, prioritises simplicity and consistency. To set up for this accessible flop shot, golfers should slightly open their clubface and position the ball from the middle to slightly forward in their stance. Crucially, the club handle is raised slightly, making the shaft more upright and allowing the toe of the club to sit down.

During the swing, the emphasis is on maintaining wide arms throughout both the backswing and the follow-through. Doniger suggests visualising a half or three-quarter swing, allowing the club to glide smoothly through the grass. The primary goal of this method is to get the ball high and land it softly, minimising unnecessary risk around the green.

The Advanced Flop Shot

For golfers seeking greater height and an even softer landing, Doniger offers a second, more precise technique. This advanced method begins with a wider stance, followed by bending the lead knee over the lead foot. This adjustment establishes a stable anchor or axis, facilitating proper rotation during the backswing and follow-through.

The clubface is then opened, and the club handle is lowered. These specific adjustments work together to offset the change in aim caused by opening the clubface, effectively increasing loft without directing the shot far right of the target. The swing itself requires soft arms and a slower, yet larger motion to achieve the desired high launch and gentle descent.

Practice and Relevance for Asian Golfers

To help golfers develop the correct feel for the advanced flop shot, Doniger recommends a simple drill: taking the thumbs off the club during the setup. This encourages more wrist action and allows the clubhead to release effectively through impact, promoting the desired soft landing.

Doniger advises mastering her simpler technique before progressing to the advanced version to build foundational skill. For Asian golfers, particularly those competing in regional tournaments or playing on championship courses, mastering these techniques offers a tangible advantage.

Many courses across Asia, such as the challenging layouts found in Vietnam or the demanding greens of Sentosa Golf Club in Singapore, often present scenarios requiring a high, soft landing shot over hazards. Players aiming to contend in events on the Asian Tour must possess a versatile short game to manage diverse course conditions.

Developing proficiency in Doniger's advanced flop shot can directly contribute to lower scores, a critical factor for players seeking to improve their Order of Merit standing by the end of the 2026 season.